Ex-Generals call on Musharraf to step down

International

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Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 14:09 [IST]

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Rawalpindi, Jan 23: Several Pakistani ex-servicemen have called on President Pervez Musharraf to step down as the head of the state to ensure a complete restoration of democracy in the country. Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society meeting here voiced their views on the current domestic political situation, with specific reference to Musharraf's role, the Dawn reported. The media was kept out of the meeting.

Later, a four-point resolution was passed in which Musharraf was primarily blamed for the prevailing crisis in Pakistan. The resolution stated that Musharraf, "does not represent the unity and the symbol of the Federation as President," adding that "he should resign as president in the supreme national interest." The resolution also called for the setting up of impartial, credible and unblemished teams of governments both at the Centre and in the provinces.

It also called for a credible Election Commission to be appointed with the approval of all major political parties. The meeting appreciated the reported orders of the Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, to all serving officers, to abstain from taking any part in political activities.

Spearheaded by Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Ali Chishti, once a key member of Gen Zia-ul-Haq's martial law regime, the ex-servicemen society has lately been quite active against Musharraf. Tuesday's gathering was its biggest show so far. The meeting was attended by the known critics of Musharraf.

Prominent among those attending the meeting were former Army Chief Gen (retd) Mirza Aslam Beg and former ISI chief Lt-Gen (retd) Hamid Gul.